Cornerstone to host fundraiser for transitional housing program

Event will be Wednesday at Old Prairie Town

Cornerstone of Topeka will hold its second “housewarming party” fundraiser Wednesday to raise funds for its transitional housing program.

Chris Palmer, executive director of Cornerstone, said Friday the event will be 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Old Prairie Town in Ward-Meade Park. The theme is “An All-American Picnic in the Park” and will feature hot dogs, bratwurst, popcorn and drinks, along with a barbershop quartet for entertainment.

Tickets are $30.

Cornerstone is an affordable housing provider that serves the “working poor,” Palmer said. Although some tenants receive government aid, about 70 percent don’t receive a rent subsidy.

Cornerstone has about 160 housing units, mainly in central, southeast and East Topeka, Palmer said. Of those, 20 are dedicated to the homeless population.

“That’s why we need to supplement with donations and fundraising,” Palmer said.

The benefit raises public awareness while also helping defray some costs of that transitional housing program, Palmer said. Those in the program must be referred by an agency — such as the Topeka Rescue Mission, YWCA’s Center for Safety and Empowerment, or the Salvation Army — and can stay six or nine months. They pay greatly reduced rent, he said, which including utilities runs about $300 per month.

The assistance aims to help people get back on their feet and move into either Cornerstone’s affordable housing program or other permanent housing, Palmer said.

Two tenants who benefitted from the program this year will give testimonials as part of Wednesday’s event.

Palmer said city housing supervisor Warren Woodruff also will be honored this year with the Otto and Jane Schnellbacher Lifetime Service Award. He said Woodruff has worked with Cornerstone, which gets grants to build new homes or complete renovations to older homes in “distressed areas” of the city, which then improves the neighborhood.

“Warren is just a joy to work with,” Palmer said.

Those interested in attending can contact Cornerstone by calling 232-1650 or email Chris Palmer at chris@corner1.org.